Signs of cervical cancer are very important to be understood and treated. Cervical cancer, being ranked the second common cancer type is very widespread among women. A fact shows that about 3,00,000 people are annually killed by this life threatening medical condition. Like other cancers if cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, it is rendered highly curable. The basic cause behind any kind of cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the body and in case of cervical cancer; the abnormal cell growth is directed towards the cervix. There are certain points which if kept in mind can help in diagnosing cervical cancer, its symptoms and ill effects, easily.

Signs leading to cervical cancer detection

Cervical cancer is a very well-known medical condition. It is capable of being prevented if the signs are identified, in the early stage. The basic and most common warning signs of cervical cancer are quite clear and should be known to every woman. Today technology allows women to go through a general screening that makes clear whether the lady is a victim of this disease or not. The symptoms pertaining to cervical cancer do not appear till the cells become cancerous and start invading the tissues nearby. Abnormal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer. Bleeding in between the menses is considered abnormal. Pain while urinating is also one of the prime symptoms. This very symptom indicates an advanced stage of the cervical cancer. 80 percent of the squamous cells are the root cause of the cervical cancer. These originate in the flat cells at the bottom of the cervix. Unusual discharge from the vagina, bleeding during coitus and bleeding during menopause are some of the other prime indications of cervical cancer.

Causes of cervical cancer

Prevention of cervical cancer calls for regular medical checkups. However, there are some distinct causes responsible for the occurrence of cervical cancer. Hence it becomes very essential to disclose them to all. HPV is found to be the cause of 90 percent of the cervical cases. The HPV is nothing but a huge group of viruses that are capable of affecting the genitals. Most of the times, the HPV doesn’t last for long and moves out by itself. However, the virus can keep lingering within the blood for long without affecting the body for a big duration. This virus is transmitted sexually. There are around 50 distinct kinds of HPV which can infect humans. Many a times,chemical exposure is responsible for causing this disease. Women working in any kind of manufacturing industries or farms are much more prone to chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Women who have AIDS or are HIV positive have different medication. This medication is responsible for their weak immunity. This also might make them an easy victim of cervical cancer.

It is truly said that prevention is better than cure. This makes it very necessary for the people being aware of the signs of cervical cancer and take appropriate steps for avoiding such conditions.

Cervical cancer is a life threatening form of cancer and if not treated at an early stage can lead to death of the patient. More than often, the symptoms of this disease are confused with regular PMS or pain during ovulation. It also cannot be easily diagnosed as it does not show many symptoms until the patient is in its advanced stage. However, there are definitely some warning signs of cervical cancer which should be noted and referred to the doctors.

What causes cervical cancer?

Though there are no specific causes of this disease, there can be a few factors which can lead to higher probability of contracting it. The most common factor is human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes the infection of the cervix. This is a collection of over 100 different types of HPV – 15 types viruses and it is passed on commonly through sexual intercourse.

These viruses are quite common and HPV infection can happen to anybody but the viruses are removed from the body due to the strong immune system of the body. But in some cases, these viruses lead to the mutation of the cells or very fast division of abnormal cells found in the cervix and this is what causes cervical cancer. These abnormal or mutated cells continue dividing and do not die leading to formation of tumor in the cervix.

Apart from low immunity, there can be many other causes of this disease like:

Having sexual intercourse at a very early age

Having more than one sexual partner

Vices like smoking

Irregular Pap tests

Having many children

Usage birth control bills over a long period of time

Women with different sexual transmitted diseases (STD) like syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea are also at risk of getting this form of cancer.

What are the warning signs of cervical cancer?

Commonly the signs of cervical cancer start appearing only when the patient is at her advanced stage. Then it is usually too late to treat. Therefore, it is important to identify these signs as soon as possible. Some of the common signs of this cancer are:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding seen after a sexual activity, even after menopause, between periods can be an alarming sign. You should immediately visit the doctor. At times it is can also be due to discharges coupled with bleeding along with a foul smell.

Another common sign is acute pelvic pain which persists for long durations. It can be for hours and can be a mild continuous pain or severe pain.

It is important to visit the doctor if there is pain experienced during urination. This is a common symptom seen in advanced cervical cancer when the cancer has reached the bladder.

Cervical cancer can be cured if treated at early stages. Once at advanced stages, it can be life threatening. Therefore, when the signs of cervical cancer start appearing, it is important to seek the help of a qualified doctor and go in for a complete check-up. The prognosis can be easier if appropriate steps are taken at the earliest.